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The Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, National University of Singapore, offers a unique and adventurous 21st century Asian environment in which we train musicians to shape the artistic landscape in Singapore and in the world. The Conservatory is distinctively international in terms of its faculty, student population and artistic outlook. Our mission is to be a focal point for musical activity, artistic development and research for Singapore, the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

The following openings are available – click to skip directly to the individual posting:

Associate Professor in Composition and Creative Practice

The Yong Siew Toh Conservatory, National University of Singapore, offers a unique and adventurous 21st-century Asian environment in which we train and educate performers, composers, producers and recording engineers to take advantage of future professional and artistic opportunities both in Singapore and in the world. The Conservatory is distinctively international in terms of its faculty, student population and artistic outlook. Our mission is to be a focal point for musical activity, artistic development and research, for Singapore, the Asia-Pacific region, and beyond.

YST is seeking an experienced music professional to provide strategic academic and artistic leadership in composition, creative practice, and artistic research. The successful candidate will advance an imaginative and integrated model of conservatory education at NUS that connects creative practice, scholarly inquiry, teaching, and curriculum development in composition, aural training, music theory, and contextual studies with professional development, leadership, and public engagement. Through internationally recognised creative practice, artistic research, and regional and international engagement, the candidate will also contribute to the Conservatory’s position as a leading centre for contemporary and creative practice in music and for artistic research, with particular distinction in Southeast Asia and strong international connections.

The Associate Professor will be responsible for:

  • Providing academic, artistic, and strategic leadership in the development of Composition and Creative Practice as an integrated academic area, contributing to excellence in creative practice, artistic research, teaching, curriculum development, and the intellectual and strategic development of the Conservatory and the wider University arts sector.
  • Advancing an internationally recognised programme of creative practice through composition, artistic research, performances, recordings, publications, and collaborations with leading performers, ensembles, festivals, universities, and cultural institutions.
  • Designing, teaching, and continually developing undergraduate and postgraduate courses in composition, music theory, artistic research, creativity, interdisciplinary practice, and related areas, integrating creative practice, analytical inquiry, performance, and professional preparation.
  • Developing effective pedagogical approaches that connect theoretical understanding with creative and artistic practice, reflective inquiry, and interdisciplinary learning, fostering student-centred and practice-led education.
  • Providing strategic leadership in curriculum development, programme review, and strengthening the integration of creative practice, artistic research, interdisciplinary learning, and conservatory education.
  • Supervising and mentoring undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and lifelong learners, fostering artistic distinction, critical inquiry, creativity, and professional development through inclusive and practice-led learning environments.
  • Providing strategic leadership in the development of regional and international artistic partnerships, with particular emphasis on strengthening connections between Southeast Asia and the international contemporary music community through collaborations with composers, performers, ensembles, festivals, universities, cultural organisations, and professional networks.
  • Providing artistic and academic leadership in advancing contemporary music, creative practice, and artistic research in Southeast Asia through composition, commissions, artistic collaborations, the curation of concerts, festivals, conferences, and public engagement initiatives, alongside scholarly activity and professional service that strengthen Southeast Asia’s contemporary music ecosystem and enhance its international profile and impact.
  • Maintaining an active and internationally recognised programme of creative practice and artistic research that continually informs teaching, curriculum development, strategic leadership, and the advancement of the discipline.

Requirements for interested applicants include:

  • A doctoral degree in Composition, Artistic Research, or a related field of musical practice.
  • A minimum of ten years of successful teaching experience in a conservatory and/or university environment, with a sustained record of impactful teaching, curriculum design and development, academic leadership, and student mentorship across undergraduate and postgraduate education.
  • An internationally recognised profile as a composer-scholar or creative practitioner, demonstrated through a substantial body of creative work, artistic research outputs, publications, commissions, performances, recordings, and collaborations.
  • Demonstrated expertise and leadership in integrating composition, creative practice, artistic research, music theory, interdisciplinary teaching, and curriculum design and development within a conservatory or university environment.
  • Proven experience in academic and institutional leadership, curriculum design and development, programme review, and institutional service, with the ability to provide strategic leadership in higher institution educational development and conservatory advancement.
  • A sustained record in supervising and mentoring students, emerging artists, and professionals across undergraduate, postgraduate, and lifelong learning contexts.

Demonstrated artistic and professional leadership in developing regional and international networks, partnerships, and collaborative initiatives that advance contemporary music, artistic research, and creative practice, with particular distinction in strengthening Southeast Asia’s engagement within the international music community.

  • Excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and provide strategic academic leadership within a dynamic university and conservatory environment.
  • Evidence of continuing artistic distinction, scholarly achievement, strategic leadership, and international standing.

Rank / Salary: Tenure-track at the rank of Associate Professor with benefits package commensurate with qualifications and experience in line with NUS appointment norms.

Qualified candidates should submit the following materials to the Search Committee via the NUS recruitment portal: https://www.nus.edu.sg/careers/

  • A letter of interest describing your vision and your relevant experiences.
  • A current curriculum vitae outlining professional, teaching, and administrative experience.
  • Three letters of recommendation from professional referees.
  • A detailed portfolio or documentation of representative composition and creative practice projects, programmes, or initiatives you have led or coordinated.
  • Links to recordings, productions, or other artistic work where relevant.

The selection process will commence in November 2026. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Enquiries about the position may be directed to the Dean’s Office at mussec@nus.edu.sg.

 

Contract for Service (Young Orchestra Academy Coordinator)

The Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music (YST) is seeking a contract staff to coordinate the operations of the Young Orchestra Academy (YOA).

The Academy provides young musicians with structured orchestral training through rehearsals, sectionals, musicianship activities, workshops and performances. Working closely with YST staff, allied-instructors and mentors, the Coordinator will help ensure that each Academy session is safe, welcoming and smoothly conducted.

This is a contract-for-service engagement during the NUS academic semesters only:

  • Semester 1: August to early December
  • Semester 2: January to early May
  • Regular on-site hours: Saturdays (when academy lessons are in session), 3.00pm to 9.00pm at YST
  • Each semester ends with a final performance by the Academy participants

The Coordinator must be available for all YOA sessions throughout both semesters. Some preparation and follow-up outside the regular on-site hours may occasionally be required.

Scope of Services

  • Coordinate the weekly Saturday operations of the Young Orchestra Academy.
  • Serve as the main on-site contact for participating musicians, parents, instructors, mentors and YST staff.
  • Manage participant registration, attendance, reporting arrangements and dismissal procedures.
  • Manage meal arrangements, welfare and training schedules of participants.
  • Communicate weekly schedules, venue information, programme updates and logistical instructions to participants and parents.
  • Coordinate rehearsal rooms, equipment, music stands, scores and other programme materials.
  • Support instructors and mentors with rehearsal and teaching requirements.
  • Ensure that participants move safely and punctually between rehearsals, sectionals and other activities.
  • Provide appropriate supervision and operational support for young participants, aged 13 to 18.
  • Respond to routine participant and parent enquiries and refer academic, pastoral or disciplinary matters to the appropriate YST staff member.
  • Assist with concerts, workshops, guest sessions and other Academy activities.
  • Maintain participant records, schedules, contact lists and other administrative documentation.
  • Record and report incidents, injuries, absences or operational concerns promptly.
  • Support compliance with YST’s safety, emergency, safeguarding and building-use procedures.
  • Participate in briefing, planning and review meetings where required.
  • Provide general administrative and operational support necessary for the effective delivery of the Academy.

 

Requirements

  • Relevant experience in programme coordination, arts administration, education, events or youth activities.
  • A strong interest in music; familiarity with orchestras or music education would be advantageous.
  • Experience working with young people and communicating with parents or guardians.
  • Responsible, attentive and comfortable supporting the welfare and safety of minors.
  • Strong organisational, administrative and time-management skills.
  • Clear and professional spoken and written English.
  • Able to communicate confidently and sensitively with young musicians, parents, instructors and colleagues.
  • Calm, resourceful and able to respond appropriately to changing operational needs.
  • Collaborative, dependable and able to work with minimal supervision.
  • Comfortable using email, shared documents, spreadsheets and common communication platforms.
  • Available to work on-site at YST every Saturday from 3.00pm to 9.00pm during both academic semesters.
  • Willing to complete any required safeguarding, safety or programme briefings.


Application

Please send your cover letter and résumé to weiboon@nus.edu.sg.

Your cover letter should briefly describe your relevant experience, interest in working with young musicians, and availability for the stated engagement period.

Contract for Service (Venue Hire Projects)

We are seeking a contract staff to support the management of venue hire activities while contributing to the successful delivery of selected Conservatory programmes and events. 

This role is primarily responsible for managing relationships with external venue hirers, coordinating venue bookings and ensuring a professional client experience from enquiry through event completion. This role will also be responsible for the operational delivery of selected internal concerts, festivals, masterclasses and institutional events. 

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working with people, has excellent organisational skills, and thrives in a dynamic performing arts environment. 

Key Responsibilities

  • Serve as the primary liaison for external venue hirers throughout the booking lifecycle.
  • Manage venue enquiries, site visits, quotations, booking documentation and client communications. 
  • Coordinate event requirements with technical, facilities and administrative teams. 
  • Prepare production schedules, venue usage plans and operational documentation for hired events. 
  • Monitor venue utilisation and ensure hired events are delivered smoothly and professionally. 
  • Support invoicing, billing and administrative documentation relating to venue hires. 
  • Build strong relationships with corporate, institutional and community clients to encourage repeat business. 
  • Support the planning and delivery of selected Conservatory concerts, performances and institutional programmes. 
  • Coordinate rehearsals, artist logistics and operational requirements where required. 
  • Provide on-site operational support during rehearsals and performances. 
  • Maintain compliance with venue operating procedures and safety requirements. 
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of venue operations and client services. 

Requirements

  • A relevant university degree, or equivalent qualification. 
  • Strong interest in music, and a good understanding of the music industry. 
  • 3-5 years’ experience in the performing arts industry or similar/related field. 
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills. 
  • Ability to interpret and communicate ideas and information effectively. 
  • Fluent in spoken and written English. 
  • Willingness to work as part of a team and take direction is essential. 
  • Collaborative, self-motivated and adaptable with strong multi-tasking and organizational skills. 
  • High degree of customer service orientation. 

To apply, please send your cover letter and resume to kennyooi@nus.edu.sg